Probiotics During Pregnancy

Probiotics During Pregnancy

What are probiotics? Probiotics are living microorganisms, the majority of which are bacteria followed by yeast. They are similar to the naturally occurring microorganisms found in the intestines, or gut, of every person. Three of the most commonly used probiotics include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces. They are often nicknamed the “friendly bacteria.” Probiotics are helpful in supporting your digestive health.

Are probiotics safe? Probiotics are probably safe during pregnancy. However, because there is a variety of probiotics and limited research, probiotics cannot be declared safe completely.

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Institute of Health (NIH), probiotics are probably safe because current data indicates probiotic supplements are rarely absorbed. The likelihood of contracting bacteremia from taking Lactobacillus probiotics is less than 1 per 1 million, and the likelihood of acquiring fungemia from Saccharomyces boulardii is approximately 1 per 5.6 million individuals taking the probiotic.

In the limited research on probiotic use during pregnancy, there have been no associations with probiotic use and miscarriages or malformations of any kind. Furthermore, a meta-analysis by Canadian researchers found no association with probiotic use and the incidence of Caesarean section, birth weight, or gestational age.

The NLM and NIH concluded there does not appear to be any risk of probiotic use for expecting, or lactating, mothers.

The precise way probiotics work is still up for debate. Researchers are still investigating their exact mechanism. However, the initial thinking is that in the same way bad bacteria attack the body, good bacteria attack destructive invaders. One assumption is they help reduce bad bacteria in your body, which can lower the potential of certain infections or other health concerns.

What Are the Benefits of Probiotics during Pregnancy

Probiotics, whether from foods or supplements, help your digestive system work more efficiently. As noted above, probiotics are assumed to lessen the presence of bad bacteria. Helping your intestines move food along and reducing bad bacteria help reduce the likelihood of experiencing health complications.

Probiotics are understood to help with the following:

Infection diarrhea

Antibiotic-related diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome

Inflammatory bowel disease

Bacterial vaginosis

Eczema (conflicting results)

Reduced Pediatric atopic dermatitis

One study by the Natural Medicine Journal reported probiotic use reduced the probabilities of experiencing gestational diabetes mellitus.

With constipation and diarrhea being two frequently experienced common discomforts during pregnancy, the use of probiotics during pregnancy is common. The Canadian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada found 45 to 93% of midwives had prescribed some form of natural health products to expecting mothers.

Probiotics are most commonly consumed in live-cultured yogurt or through supplements. Here is an article that shares how you can get probiotics naturally.

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